The Audi A3 is the compact car in the premium segment that perfectly combines sporty driving characteristics with a spacious interior. This is complemented by an impression of quality and materials otherwise only to be found in higher vehicle segments.

Audi has now improved the A3 in several areas and extended its equipment. The most obvious change can be seen at the front end of the vehicle. The three-door A3 now also sports the new single-frame grille which makes the latest Audi models so unmistakable. The new Audi face enhances the dynamism of the three-door model even more significantly than before.

The coupé-like line which combines tautness and athleticism has been retained. The gently rising baseline of the window area and the coupé-like roof line converge in the powerful tail end. This is also where the visual centre of gravity of the three-door A3 is, the powerful tail making the whole car look as if it is about to leap forward.

With the number of lines significantly reduced and the individual surfaces split up graphically, the rear-end styling is noted for its explicit clarity. One striking feature underlining the dynamic character of the car is the visible, high-quality tailpipes. The Audi A3 has one or two of these depending on engine version.

Drivers who prefer an even sportier look can take advantage of the S line exterior package from quattro GmbH which is now available for both the three-door A3 as well as the A3 Sportback. This comprises bumpers with an even sportier design, a roof spoiler, front fog lights and the S line logo in the door sill strips, on the grille and on the sides of the vehicle. Two extremely attractive wheel designs have been added to the existing range. A polished, two-color 17-inch wheel of 16-spoke design is the first new addition. The wheel's matt grey inner surfaces make the polished outer surfaces stand out even more. The second new wheel is an 18-inch, 20-spoke version.

The Interior

The interior design of the Audi A3 is distinguished by two features: sportiness and elegance. This impression is the result of the low seat position, the high and wide centre console and the clear subdivision of the dashboard. The three-door A3 now also features the new generation of steering wheels. The impact absorbers of the three-spoke and four-spoke steering wheels cite the single-frame design of the radiator grille. The interior surfaces and each individual detail are noted for their first-rate material quality and a superbly crafted finish. Sports seats with Fine Nappa leather upholstery in the colors black, light grey and red are new to the range.

The flush transition from the dashboard to the door window sill is also typical of the Audi brand. This line rises gently as it tapers dynamically towards the rear end. The instrument cluster is housed within an almost round cover, an element that consciously echoes the design of other sporty Audi models such as the TT and the A4 Cabriolet.

Ergonomically refined design is combined with equally outstanding aesthetic qualities throughout the car's interior: typical examples are the round air vents, the rotary controls for the automatic air conditioning, the inside door handles and glove box release lever which are all trimmed with aluminum. Two slender bars connect the centre tunnel with the vertical plane of the console. Typically found on sports cars, these elements additionally emphasize the sportiness and dynamism of the A3.

The steering column with longitudinal and height adjustment as well as the driver's seat with the same adjustment options ensure an optimum seating position. Generous adjustment ranges enable occupants of practically any build to find a comfortable and safe position.
Engines and transmissions

Offering a wide range of choice but dedicated throughout to sporting performance: this philosophy characterizes the range of engines and transmissions offered for the Audi A3. Audi relies here on ultramodern injection technology, for both its diesel and its petrol engines. As well as the two TDI engines, Audi offers three petrol units with direct injection. These include the 2.0 TFSI. Turbocharger and intercooler have been combined with petrol direct injection for the first time on the A3, once again demonstrating the company's proverbial "Vorsprung durch Technik".
Depending on the chosen engine, a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted; tiptronic is a further option. Incorporating six speeds, this automatic transmission is absolutely unique in the compact segment.

As an alternative to the manual gearbox, the 2.0 TDI, 3.2 quattro and 2.0 TFSI can be ordered with the new Direct Shift Gearbox DSG. This innovative transmission, inspired by motor racing technology, has a twin-clutch design with electro-hydraulic control that permits exceptionally rapid gear changes without interrupting the flow of power from the engine - ultimately resulting in maximum dynamic driving pleasure.

Audi has been demonstrating its proverbial "Vorsprung durch Technik" in this field for the last 25 years. A new addition to the A3 model range is the 2.0 TDI with quattro drive - the ideal complement to this high-torque, free-revving diesel engine.

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